"Springtime"
His stunning and realistic genre paintings with mythological themes were modern interpretations of Classical subjects-both pagan and Christian-with a heavy concentration on the female human body.
Although he created an idealized world, his almost photo-realistic style brought to life his goddesses, nymphs, bathers, shepherdesses, and madonnas in a way which was very appealing to rich art patrons of his time.
Bouguereau employed traditional methods of working up a painting, including detailed pencil studies and oil sketches, and his careful method resulted in a pleasing and accurate rendering of the human form.
His painting of skin, hands, and feet was particularly admired. He also used some of the religious and erotic symbolism of the Old Masters, such as the "broken pitcher" which connoted lost innocence.
In his own time, Bouguereau was considered to be one of the greatest painters in the world by the Academic art community, and simultaneously he was reviled by the avant-garde.
He also gained wide fame in Belgium, Holland, Spain, and in the United States, and commanded high prices.
Bouguereau's career was a nearly straight up ascent with hardly a setback.
To many, he epitomized taste and refinement, and a respect for tradition.
American millionaires considered him the most important French artist of that time.
But after 1920, Bouguereau fell into disrepute and for decades following, his name was not even mentioned in encyclopedias.
The world can be so cruel to these wonderful artists. He has certainly come back however and is highly regarded today.
I love his angels, religious and children's paintings. They are so soft and peaceful. The Art Renewal Center website is dedicated to preserving the memory of Bougereau. Its worth a visit!
Although he created an idealized world, his almost photo-realistic style brought to life his goddesses, nymphs, bathers, shepherdesses, and madonnas in a way which was very appealing to rich art patrons of his time.
Bouguereau employed traditional methods of working up a painting, including detailed pencil studies and oil sketches, and his careful method resulted in a pleasing and accurate rendering of the human form.
His painting of skin, hands, and feet was particularly admired. He also used some of the religious and erotic symbolism of the Old Masters, such as the "broken pitcher" which connoted lost innocence.
"L'Innocense"
"Crown of Flowers"
In his own time, Bouguereau was considered to be one of the greatest painters in the world by the Academic art community, and simultaneously he was reviled by the avant-garde.
He also gained wide fame in Belgium, Holland, Spain, and in the United States, and commanded high prices.
Bouguereau's career was a nearly straight up ascent with hardly a setback.
To many, he epitomized taste and refinement, and a respect for tradition.
American millionaires considered him the most important French artist of that time.
But after 1920, Bouguereau fell into disrepute and for decades following, his name was not even mentioned in encyclopedias.
The world can be so cruel to these wonderful artists. He has certainly come back however and is highly regarded today.
I love his angels, religious and children's paintings. They are so soft and peaceful. The Art Renewal Center website is dedicated to preserving the memory of Bougereau. Its worth a visit!
